By Christian Njoku
Dr Temilope Ilori, NACA’s Director-General, made the disclosure on Thursday during an inspection of the facility in Calabar, donated under the Global Fund COVID-19 RM grant facilitated by the Federal Government.
She explained that the Global Fund C19 RM grant, managed by NACA, would strengthen Nigeria’s health systems after COVID-19 through provision of essential medical infrastructure and equipment.
“UCTH is a major beneficiary, receiving a 10,000-litre oxygen plant, more than 400 cylinders, humidifiers, concentrators, and pulse oximeters to support emergency and critical care services,” she said.
Ilori said the agency was satisfied that the equipment was being effectively used for public health services, and fulfilling the intended purpose of the intervention.
She added that the grant also supported fully functional PSA oxygen plants in Ogoja, currently delivering services to surrounding communities, with another in Ikom yet to be inaugurated.
While stressing the need for deliberate efforts to sustain the facilities, Ilori said the Global Fund secured five-year warranty and maintenance contracts, including spare parts support for the newly installed oxygen plants.
“Cross River has received one of the most comprehensive oxygen system upgrades in the South-South, valued at about 800,000 dollars.
“The strengthened infrastructure at UCTH and expanded oxygen capacity in Ogoja and Ikom ensures safer, more reliable oxygen therapy services,” she noted.
She emphasised that collaboration among the Federal Ministry of Health, NACA, and the Cross River Government was critical for optimal use of the investments.
Ilori, however, added that sustained success would require strong state ownership, skilled manpower, and continuous operational and maintenance support.
DG of NACA, Dr Temitope Ilori and CMD of UCTH Prof. Ikpeme Ikpeme inspecting other health facilities donated to UCTH
Responding, UCTH Chief Medical Director, Prof. Ikpeme Ikpeme, said the hospital operated the plant under a revolving fund model to guarantee sustainability.
He explained that revenue from the plant was paid into a TSA sub-account for maintenance, servicing, and oxygen refilling as required.
Ikpeme said the plant currently met the hospital’s oxygen needs before supplying other facilities, a measure necessary due to high demand.
He described UCTH as the largest functioning health institution in Cross River, with substantial oxygen requirements from its ICU, Pediatric ICU, and Special Care Unit.
The CMD added that the hospital’s new Accident and Emergency complex would expand capacity with additional ICUs, neonatal units, trauma theatres, and emergency beds.
“Two years ago, oxygen shortages ended with the plant’s installation, marking a turning point in critical care delivery. The quality of oxygen produced is excellent and superior to many PSA machines in the region,” he said.
He added that many hospitals no longer relied on uncertified oxygen sources, saying UCTH and other oxygen plants in the state now supplied reliable, high-grade medical oxygen. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
